Wind Advisory in effect as strong gusts, rain showers hit central Pa.

Strong, potentially damaging wind gusts up to 55 mph will impact central Pennsylvania through tonight as a sharp cold front pushes southeast across the region. Rain showers developing near Lake Erie will spread southeastward this evening, with the strongest winds expected later tonight.

The National Weather Service in State College has issued a Wind Advisory for all of central Pennsylvania until 7 a.m. Thursday.

Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected, with isolated gusts possibly reaching 60 mph, particularly in the Laurel Highlands and south central Alleghenies. These winds could blow down tree limbs and cause power outages.

Rain showers will develop and expand southeastward through the evening, with precipitation diminishing as it moves downslope from higher terrain.

Some snow cou